TORONTO -- Christopher Gibson stopped 34 shots -- including all 17 that came his way in the third period -- as the Toronto Marlies toppled the visiting Utica Comets 3-1 on Sunday in American Hockey League play. Byron Froese opened the scoring with a short-handed goal for the Marlies (27-22-9) at 6:34 of the first period and Matt Frattin added the eventual winner at 15:37.

Sven Baertschi responded for the Comets (34-19-6) with a power-play goal at 17:52 of the second period.

Toronto has won five of its past six games and is now just one point behind the Texas Stars for the eight and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Utica, meanwhile, sits third in the West.

The Marlies went 0 for 3 on the power play while the Comets scored once on four chances with the man advantage.